Heavyweights Francis Ngannou, Junior dos Santos to Clash at UFC 215 in Edmonton

Francis Ngannou will attempt to continue his ascent in the heavyweight division when he meets former champion Junior dos Santos at UFC 215.

Promotion officials announced the contest on Wednesday. A light heavyweight matchup pitting Ilir Latifi against Tyson Pedro was also confirmed for the event. UFC 215 takes place at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Sept. 9. The card currently does not have a headliner announced.

Ngannou, 30, has won nine straight fights — including five in the Octagon. The Paris native last appeared at UFC on Fox 23, where he stopped ex-titlist Andrei Arlovski via technical knockout 1:32 into the opening stanza. Ngannou has finished all of his UFC opponents within two rounds.

Dos Santos has been up-and-down after capturing the heavyweight title with a first-round knockout of Cain Velasquez in November 2011. Since then, “Cigano” has alternated wins and losses in his last eight bouts, although each of his defeats has occurred against top-notch competition. The 33-year-old Brazilian came up short in his most recent title bid, as he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 211 on May 13.